Welcome to Travel Massive.
This is a blind-friendly version of the Travel Massive homepage.
This page contains 5 sections: developer log, member activity, latest posts, upcoming meetups, and classified ads.
Here's 10 things that happened most recently:
Here's the 10 most recent posts:
To celebrate [Global Accessibility Awareness Day](accessibility.day) (GAAD) in May, the Diamond Works Institute and Cape Town Travel Massive [hosted a special event](www.travelmassive.com/events/gaad-2025-travel-edition-8995275200) designed to reframe how the travel industry approaches inclusion and accessibility.
Thanks to [The Diamond Works Institute](www.thediamondworks.co.za), guests were treated to a multi-sensory diamond experience, combining luxury with learning in a space that proved that accessibility and exclusivity can coexist beautifully.
The event featured presentations showcasing accessible tourism innovations and trends in the industry, as well as a valuable networking and hospitality thanks to our sponsors.
“Accessibility is a foundation, not a feature“
[Sherise Dreyer](www.travelmassive.com/@sherise-dreyer), Cape Town Travel Massive chapter leader and host, shared her insights and experiences on designing for accessible tourism. Here's a few key takeaways from her talk:
* Inclusivity is about ensuring every person, regardless of ability, background, age, or identity, feels welcome and represented.
* Accessibility means removing barriers so everyone can fully participate in all aspects of travel and experience design.
* Accessibility benefits everyone, from young parents to older travellers
* The disabled market controls over $8 trillion globally
* Inclusion starts with visibility and co-creation
* Tourism should be a bridge, not a barrier
Event highlights
* [Racquel Dennison](www.linkedin.com/in/racquel-nina-dennison-0500b6204/) from [Sozo Labs](sozolabs.com) explored how immersive tech (like VR/AR) can break down access barriers and create truly engaging, inclusive experiences.
* [Jacques Stoltz](www.linkedin.com/in/placematters-jacques-stoltz/), Director of Tourism at the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Western Cape Government shared the provincial vision for accessible tourism as a strategic pillar — one that fosters both equity and economic growth.
* [Fuad Peters](www.travelmassive.com/@fuadpeters), Travel Massive Cape Town reflected on community-building and the need for shared responsibility in designing inclusive travel experiences.
* [Balini](balini.co.za)’s reveal of the Dove Dress was a highlight of the day. The flowing garment symbolised soft strength, dignity, and peace, and stood as a stunning reminder that what we wear can speak volumes about who we are and what we believe in.
Thanks to our event and prize sponsors:
A big thanks to everyone who gave their generous support.
* [Hout Bay Harbour Distillery](www.houtbayharbourdistillery.co.za) provided handcrafted local spirits brought a touch of warmth and sophistication to GAAD 2025 — a perfect pairing with a day centered on intentional, inclusive hospitality.
* [AB Creations](www.instagram.com/abcreations_021/) provided impeccable food, epic service, and creatively unmatched presentation.
* [Beautiful Possibilities](www.beautifulpossibilities.co.za) donated lipgloss & lipliner combos and discount vouchers for every attendee.
* [Canterbury Car Service](www.canterburycarservice.co.za) sponsored 4 car wash vouchers and service discounts.
* [Jude’s Rhyming Grind](www.rhymingcoffeegrind.co.za) donated a R450 coffee hamper brewed with purpose.
* The Royal Boma gave an african food, wine & coffee tasting experience for two.
* [Long March to Freedom](www.longmarchtofreedom.co.za) sponsored a guided tour experience through their remarkable outdoor exhibition of 100 life-sized bronze figures telling South Africa’s liberation story.
* Photography by [Ashley Robertson](www.instagram.com/ashrvisuals)
“Let’s build destinations and futures that invite everyone in — and hold the door open.”
If you’re passionate about inclusion, or interested in hosting your own accessible tourism event, collaborating, or learning more — please don’t hesitate to reach out to Sherise Dreyer at [chommie@iamcapetown.co.za](mailto:chommie@iamcapetown.co.za)
GAAD 2025 Travel Edition wasn’t just an event — it was a call to action.
Inclusion doesn’t happen by default. It happens by design. And design begins with listening, seeing, and caring. Let’s keep showing up — with empathy, creativity, and courage.
Whether you joined us at the event or are only discovering it now, you’re invited to keep the conversation going.
Let’s build destinations and futures that invite everyone in — and hold the door open!
It looks like everyone had a wonderful time. Networking is always great, when I attend events run by Travel Massive. 👏🇿🇦♥️
Thank you, Penelope! We really had a meaningful and energising evening — the kind of space where stories, connections, and ideas flowed so naturally. There’s something special about the Travel Massive community that always brings the right people together at the right time.
We’d love to have you join us at a future event — your voice as a blogger and artist adds so much value to these conversations. Let’s keep rising together! 🇿🇦♥️✨ #TravelMassive #AfricaRising #InclusiveTravel
This was a positive and constructive workshop. There is a clear need for more discussions around the area of accessibility, as the conversations generated were useful. Thanks to the Cape Town Travel massive team for an outstanding event
Thank you so much, Lee-Ann! I'm so glad you found the workshop positive and constructive. Your presence and input added such richness to the conversation. You're right — accessibility deserves ongoing, honest dialogue, and it's encouraging to know there's strong interest and shared commitment within our community.
Looking forward to continuing this important journey together — and as always, we welcome feedback, ideas, and future collaborations! 💬♿🌍 #AccessibleTourism #CapeTownTravelMassive #GAAD2025
Exceptional event, great people in attendance. We are a fantastic team of tourism professionals in Cape Town, who all step up to the plate, show up, and take action. I sense positive initiatives to follow. Engaging, informative night well spent together. Thanks everyone
Thank you so much, Andrea 🌟 Your words truly capture the spirit of the evening. It’s always inspiring to be surrounded by passionate tourism professionals who show up, step up, and take meaningful action. The energy in the room was powerful, and I agree — this is just the beginning of many more inclusive and impactful initiatives to come.
We welcome collaborations and feedback, and you’re always welcome to reach out. Let’s keep the momentum going — together! 💫 #InclusionInAction #CapeTownTourism #GAAD2025
How exciting!!! Fantastic article and a great illustration of inclusive tourism and accessibility. GAAD was well celebrated and I am very happy to see such great work being done in this area. This is the Person-First theory in motion! Well done team!
Warren, thank you so much — coming from someone in your field, that feedback really means a lot. You nailed it: this was very much about putting people first and creating space where lived experiences could lead the conversation.
It’s encouraging to know the message of inclusive tourism resonated so strongly. There’s still a long road ahead, but moments like GAAD remind us what’s possible when intention meets action. Let’s keep that momentum going. 🙌♿ #PersonFirst #InclusiveTourism #GAAD2025
Honoured to represent our amazing Accessibility Chapter Leader, Sherise Dreyer, on her successful event hosted at, The Diamond Works.
Useful information and helpful suggestions on how we can improve Accessibility for our community in need as a Tourist Sector in Cape-Town, South Africa.
A job well done! ;)💯👏🏽
Juan, thank you — really. I appreciate you stepping in and showing up so fully, especially on a topic that means so much to both of us. Your support was felt, and your reflections on how the sector can do better were spot on.
It’s encouraging to know that the event resonated and that the conversations sparked some real thinking. There's still a lot of work ahead, but having people like you involved makes it feel possible.
Let’s keep pushing for a more accessible and inclusive tourism experience in Cape Town — together. ♿🌍
#AccessibilityInTourism #RealChange #CommunityMatters
This is such an important aspect that has been overlooked, and glad we are addressing it now. So many people are being left out of our beautiful world, and not seeing the beauty it has to offer.
Thank you, Lisa — your words really capture the heart of why this conversation matters. For far too long, accessibility has been treated as an afterthought in travel, and it’s time we shift that mindset. Everyone deserves the chance to experience the beauty and richness of our world, not just some.
This event was about starting that conversation and sparking real, practical change. I truly hope it’s the beginning of more inclusive thinking and collaborative action across the industry.
Would love to stay connected and hear your thoughts as we move forward. ♿🌍 #TravelForAll #InclusiveTourism #PurposeDrivenTravel
I’m a self-professed culture nerd. The feeling I get when I solve a cultural dilemma—like why the Italian tour operator said my colleague was taking advantage of him, or how to build trust with a French colleague—gives me a rush that makes me feel like the next Nelson Mandela.
That’s because I’ve also seen the darker side of culture. People are quick to distrust each other around our great, big planet. We notice each other’s differences, and more often than not, we say, “No, thank you,” and retreat back into the comfort of our comfortable, homogenous communities.
But there’s a tension within us—because at the same time, people want to see the world. The hundreds of billions of dollars spent on global travel each year prove it. I hear it all the time:
“I want to change my perspective on the world.”
“I want to learn more about other cultures.”
“Travel is the best education.”
But the truth is that visiting a world wonder doesn’t automatically change your worldview. You walk away with amazing photos and a great memory, and the same mindset you arrived with.
Real transformation happens when we connect with people who are different from us—when we sit down, look beneath the surface, and ask: Why do I do things this way, and why do they do things that way? That’s where growth begins. That’s where we become each other’s teachers. And that’s what makes the world an interesting, beautiful and connected place.
Culture as “Software of the Mind”
My favorite definition of culture comes from Dutch researcher Geert Hofstede, a pioneer in the study of cultural values. His book Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind changed my life after I returned home from living in South Korea for a year.
He defines culture as the collective programming of the mind, which distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from another. That concept gave me the words to describe my confusing and sometimes painful experiences abroad. I realized that my American “software” struggled to be compatible with South Korean “software.” Reading Hofstede was just the beginning of what became a lifelong passion for building cultural awareness—and later, cultural intelligence.
Cultural intelligence (CQ) is a skillset that enables people to function and relate effectively in culturally diverse situations. It allows us to identify our own cultural behaviors, recognize cultural differences in others, and adapt to those differences
Recognizing cultural differences isn’t easy. Often, when we’re frustrated by someone’s behavior, we assume it’s a reflection of their character. For example, let’s say your colleague from the Middle East often arrives late to meetings. You might assume they’re being disrespectful of your time. They should know that in this country, time is money. That’s low-CQ thinking and leads to negative stereotypes, and while it’s common, it’s also deeply damaging to the community.
High-CQ thinking reframes that behavior through a cultural lens. You understand that in many Middle Eastern cultures, relationships take precedence over time and tasks. In contrast, Western cultures often prioritize efficiency and punctuality. With high CQ, you don’t just tolerate this difference—you adapt to it. You work better together. You build mutual respect. You are able to see that your colleague truly values your relationship. And most powerfully, you open up a conversation about cultural expectations that leads to a stronger, more trusting community.
Here’s a tourism example of misunderstanding. How people queue around the world varies drastically. But the small act of lining up says a lot about a culture. Western tourists are often quick to point out perceived chaos in countries where queuing doesn’t include an orderly first-come, first-served principle. They don’t even have curiosity about why the line operates that way, or take the time to observe how it might be efficient. These assumptions—made without curiosity—can harden into negative stereotypes. This is the danger of traveling without cultural awareness.
You’ve probably heard about the iceberg analogy of culture. Above the iceberg are the visible aspects of culture, like traditional dress, language, holidays, and food. This is what many of us tout as “culture” and it makes for great photographs. Below the surface, though, we find beliefs, assumptions, values, mindsets, and more. This is where true culture resides, the kind that you can’t take a picture of.
It can be painful and confusing to learn about “below the iceberg” culture. In fact, this is why people experience culture shock when they live abroad for longer periods of time. Adjusting to the “below the iceberg” aspects of culture challenges your core identity. It disrupts the deep, well-programmed assumptions you were raised with. But in this painful, confused state is where transformation happens. It’s where you learn that there’s more than one way to live life.
While short-term travel doesn’t usually lead to full-blown culture shock, it’s still valuable to prepare travelers for the “full iceberg experience”, so to speak. Even a brief glimpse into rethinking what’s “normal” can spark meaningful insight. This shift can endure beyond the trip itself, because the cultural awareness and adaptability skills remain long after they get home.
I founded Beyond Tourism (goingbeyondtourism.com) to prepare travelers for that kind of transformation. We shouldn’t be sending tourists into the world unprepared only for them to come back with shameful or confusing experiences they don’t want to address. And we certainly shouldn’t be sending them off to return with more stereotypes than they left with.
How have you seen travel backfire? Have you thought about the cultural component of international travel? What advice do you give to people stepping into a very different cultural setting?
I’ll leave you with one final quote from Audre Lorde: “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”
I’m Renae, and I’m passionate about fostering connections between cultures.
Over the years being in diverse cultural settings, I've learned a lot. I recently started a business called Beyond Tourism to help people increase their cultural intelligence, whether they are traveling internationally or staying at home. I also have certifications from the Cultural Intelligence Center.
I believe travel can change the world—but the most significant changes will happen paired with cultural learning. That’s why I offer two opportunities for travelers, including a 3-week cultural preparation course and a 1:1 intercultural training session.
Both are designed to reflect on our own cultural behaviors and learn to see cultural behaviors in others, which in turn strengthens cultural understanding and helps travelers show up with empathy, respect, and adaptability, and ultimately to gain cultural intelligence skills for life.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMb6zl3PDns
More articles on my blog at www.goingbeyondtourism.com/blog
Absolutely I agree with you. I'm the founder of Tours & Arts Solutions based in Accra, Ghana. Tour operating company providing authentic community base travel experiences and Ghana any other parts of Africa. Lets collaborate for cross cultural exploration!
Without cultural curiosity, all travelling does is move our biases around. Real growth begins when we stop consuming culture and start learning from it. Thank you for the reminder.
Pinerary is new platform to customize your own itinerary, share your trips, and connect with like-minded travelers. Travel professionals (e.g. travel advisor, blogger, creator, tour operator) can register as a "Travel Pro" to share their website and social media channels with the community.
Hi everyone, I'm Bailey and I build personalized around-the-world trip itineraries while traveling the world as a digital nomad.
I recently joined Pinerary, which allows people to create and share their itineraries. I spent a week in Sicily recently, and put together a simple write-up of my route and experiences in case it helps anyone planning something similar at www.pinerary.com/trip/sicily
There was something about the rhythm of the place—slow, warm, full of flavor and soul. I didn’t rush, just wandered. Markets in Palermo, quiet beaches, tiny cafes tucked into alleys, and a surreal moment watching the sun set behind Mount Etna. If you’ve been, I’d love to hear what moved you too.
Learn more about Pinerary over at www.pinerary.com/about
I like the tool!
I'm not sure where to begin with all of this, but let's go.
For those of you who haven't been following along. Global Airlines is a controversial British Airline founded by James Asquith. James founded Holiday Swap (a travel booking website) and also authored a travel book "Breaking Borders: Travels in Pursuit of an Impossible Record" after he traveled to all 196 UN countries and observer states in 2013.
Why is Global Airlines controversial? The company purchased an Airbus A380 in 2023 with the goal of entering the transatlantic market. Heard this story before? Richard Branson launched Virgin Airlines in 1984 with a leased 747 flying from Gatwick to Newark.
Now, Airbus A380s aren't cheap (their list price was $455 million) but Global Airlines purchased a 12-year-old A380 previously owned by China Southern Airlines that had been sitting in the California's Mojave Air & Space Port (a major location for aircraft storage) since the pandemic. Rumours are that they paid only tens of millions for the plane.
Ever since that moment, internet forums, blogs, and podcasts have been full of discussion from aviation experts who could not believe that James could get Global Airlines off the ground (literally). Starting an airline is not as simple as buying a plane, adding your logo, hiring a captain and cabin crew, and setting off. It's a a complex, capital intensive process that can take years. Many experts dismissed Global Airlines as a hoax or prank.
However, fast forward to May this year. Global Airlines actually flew with paying passengers. Their first inaugural flight took off from Glasgow to JFK on May 15, operated by charter airline Hi Fly Malta. On board: about 175 aviation enthusiasts, travel journalists, and a few YouTubers including Josh Cahill and Noel Philips (I'll link to their videos below). The flight was uneventful but the reviews were not entirely positive — the seats were worn and some passenger were served cold meals. But regardless, they made it!
(For a fun history lesson, read the story of Richard Branson's first flight back in 1984 which includes some wild antics — simpleflying.com/virgin-atlantic-first-flight-anniversary/)
Anyway, Global Airlines flew back to Glasgow a few days later to compete the return flight, and proved all the nay-sayers wrong. They successfully bought an aircraft and took paying passengers from the UK to America. The company then operated a one-time service between Manchester Airport and New York on 21 May, returning on May 25.
However, this is where things get interesting. According to FlightRadar24, the aircraft was repositioned to Dresden, which has facilities for A380 maintenance and cabin fitting. There hasn't been any more flights or further announcements. The website for Global Airlines (globalairlines.com) just says "Our new site is Landing Soon".
So will Global Airlines fly again, or was it just a publicity stunt? Over on aviation websites and forums, there's rumours about foreign investment and a business model pivot.
While I like to cheer on what James and Global Airlines have achieved despite the odds, I can't help but feel a sense of uncertainty whether this venture can continue with so few flights. Also, who is funding this unprofitable airline, and on what terms?
For now, it seems that Global Airlines is back on the ground. What will James Asquith and his team at GA announce to the aviation community next?
If you have news or thoughts about Global Airlines please share in the comments.
This is a truly fascinating story. I have definitely been following this.
Here's some videos and reviews of Global Airlines' first flight, from Glasgow to New York-JFK, on 15 May 2025
Josh Cahill:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnszB3fdp0o
Noel Phillips:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqqc5zQUi3Y
Patrick Shea:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8Hg48oHZx0
Liv Clarke: 'I flew on the hyped Global Airlines A380 from Manchester to New York and it was extremely bizarre'
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/i-flew-hyped-global-airlines-31705590
Pete Syme: 'Global Airlines is making its first official flight across the Atlantic with an Airbus A380'
www.businessinsider.com/global-airlines-makes-first-flight-airbus-a380-glasgow-new-york-2025-5
(X) James Asquith, founder of Global Airlines, gate crashes Simon Calder's interview with Mike Graham.
x.com/TalkTV/status/1922941317530693837
And here's some followup articles and videos
Glasgow Flyer:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAMrEzf01Ys
Simple Flying
simpleflying.com/global-airlines-realigns-a380-focus-after-new-york-flights/
One Mile At A Time
onemileatatime.com/news/global-airlines-pivots-business-model-saudi-investment/
UPDATE (4 June 2014)
Global Airlines have posted a statement on LinkedIn regarding recent online coverage.
"There has been considerable noise since the first passenger flights of 9H-GLOBL took place over the past fortnight. We are truly delighted by the interest and enthusiasm shown by so many people, and we want to thank everyone for being part of this incredible journey.
However, it’s become evident from what we are seeing and reading that some have chosen to spread large amounts of speculation, often presenting it as fact. It’s unfortunate when this happens, as it can be very misleading, and those reading these false claims can get overly excited about things that are simply not true.
With this in mind, we have published an official statement that you can read below. We encourage everyone to take a moment to read it, as we hope it will help clarify the facts and provide a clearer understanding of our progress.
Thank you for your continued support and for helping us spread the truth - stay tuned for our next (accurate) announcements and to see where we go next (coming soon)."
Link to full statement:
www.linkedin.com/pulse/statement-from-global-airlines-ltd-global-airlines-obrme/
Only for the brave ones with deep pockets!
I’m in the industry on the commercial strategy side, working with hotels across multiple markets, and lately I’ve watched some properties crumble on price.
As a traveler (or industry pro), how do you actually make sure you’re getting the best deal? Do you set price alerts, use specialized apps, wait for last-minute deals, or just hope for the best when you book?
Honestly curious—because even from the hotel side, I’ve seen so many rate changes after booking that I get buyer’s remorse myself!
Would love to hear what tools, hacks, or booking strategies travelers are using these days to avoid overpaying.
Hi Daniel, interesting question!
A few various thoughts below:
1. My first introduction to hotel OTAs was Wotif in Australia in the mid 2000's. Back then, Wotif displayed a grid layout of the week showing each hotel for a city by row, and the room night for each day of the week (a week or 10 days out, if I recall). Wotif delivered maximum utility to the visitor who wanted to compare (other hotels) on price. I really loved that design and I wish someone would re-invent it again.
2. My hotel stays are almost always for conferences (e.g. ITB, WTM, etc) so I really just want convenience for a couple of days so I can maximise my time for meetings, events, etc.
3. In recent years I mostly book directly with hotels via their apps (eg Marriott Bonvoy, Accor, etc). The key reason: loyalty. I want early check-in / late check-out, a room upgrade, points, flexibility to modify, and all the stuff that you get booking direct. I usually do a quick check on OTAs to view the going room rate, and almost always the direct hotel price is on par, or cheaper.
4. For longer stays (e.g. 4+ days) then I do find myself shopping around, or staying with friends.
5. Perhaps a question to ask is what $ would I need to save to be willing to be "un-loyal" to my hotel and take the risks of not booking direct? Yes, I believe there are real risks. I made a mistake once of booking the wrong date through a HotelsCombined partner due to search fatigue, and when I rang the hotel a few minutes later they would not change the booking due to the strict terms. I wasted an hour in Bangkok trying to check in to a hotel that didn't get my booking from the OTA, only for them to be fully booked and the refund from the OTA then taking 10 days! I have a long list of these kinds of stories.
6. I found the Google I/O keynote the other week quite interesting in regards to tools for hotel booking. They gave an example of an agent that could keep an eye on hotel prices in a city and report back. So perhaps add these kinds of agents to the list of tools.
Hope this is helpful feedback!
Your question reminded me of Tingo.
Tingo was a travel site that was opened many years ago, part of Smarter Travel Media, that offered a unique approach to booking hotels. It allowed travelers to search for and book hotels, but with a focus on price fluctuations and potential refunds if rates dropped after booking. Tingo tracked hotel prices and would provide refunds to customers if the price for their booked room went down before their check-in date.
Back in the days, I was working for TripAdvisor, which was also part of Smarter Travel Media group, and I used Tingo for holidays that required an itinerary visiting different cities. I remember a trip to California with my family that I booked with Tingo about tow months before the trip because I kept receiving alerts from Tingo about rebooking they had made to make me safe money. But the time I was ready to start the trip, I had saved more than 1,200 USD in refunds form my hotel nights.
This initiative was hated by the hospitality industry for obvious reasons. Not sure what happened, but I remember that the following summer, wen I was planning to use it again, I found that the site had stopped its activity.
Rarely do I book my travel plans more than a week ahead, so my approach is “hope for the best”. I almost always use my AMEX Platinum for anything travel related. The points, benefits, and customer service can’t be beat. I stopped booking through third parties years ago after having one bad experience with fraud.
My strategy today is hassle-free and knowing any dollars spent I’ll be rewarded with later via loyalty. OR I book directly with the hotel.
Great question! I tend to check Booking or Expedia first for prices, then contact the hotel directly (particularly if I am a member and can get points) because I have found that they can price match.
I also use credit cards with Airmiles, Avion, and Aeroplan and find that those points are very useful for booking hotels.
Agoda is another great site for hotel bookings, there are usually excellent deals, but are time sensitive.
I sometimes find that after a couple of searches for a particular hotel, the price will start to creep up. So if I see a good deal, I'll write it down then book it on another computer/IP address/wifi location so it's like I'm searching for the first time and will usually get the original quoted price.
Photos from first Travel Massive MIXER at Generator Mitte in Berlin (May 22nd 2025)
Well, that was fun! 😀
We had our first Travel Massive MIXER at Generator Mitte in Berlin and I think it's safe to say that we are off to a great start.
We had a beautiful bunch of travel industry professional networking over some delicious cocktails, chilled beers and house-y beats.
Good times!
Big thanks to team Generator for the epic hosting and of course to all the guests for joining. Stay tuned for our Summer edition! 😎 ☀️
Based in Berlin? Join our LinkedIn group: linkedin.com/groups/13191165
Cheers,
Bjorn & Hannah
Incredible photos! Looked like a great evening with a fun atmosphere and lots of nice people from the industry. As always, I wish I was there!
It was really good indeed. You were definitely missed! Someone needs to invent teleportation asap!
Looks like great party! :)
It was great bringing the Berlin travel community together over a drink and some tunes.
Photos from Travel Massive EXPERIENCE evening at 7 Mares in Berlin (April 10th)
Last month we had our very first Travel Massive EXPERIENCE in Berlin, hosted by Tiago from quality wine bar 7 Mares and Dov from Fork and Walk tours. 🍷😋
I think it's safe to say that it was an absolutely beautiful experience for everyone attending. New connections were made and laughs shared over some very tasty wines.
A great start to our 'Experience' format and we look forward to explore more of Berlin like this with the Berlin Travel Massive community...!
A big thanks to everyone for joining. :-)
Based in Berlin? Join our LinkedIn group: linkedin.com/groups/13191165/
Wayward is an all-in-one platform for tour operators and tourism destinations to streamline everything from pre-trip promotion and booking through to post-trip reviews. Wayward helps you simply manage registration, waivers, and process payments so you can get on with delivering incredible travel experiences.
For travelers, Wayward's app provides 24/7 communication with tour organizers and an easy publishing platform to live-blog photos and videos with friends and family along the way.
Hi Everybody!
I'm the founder of tech platform Wayward and have been a tour operator at Lost Travel Collective, based in Chicago with a team of incredible humans around the globe.
We built the software as the industry was missing: something intuitive, reliable, and tailored to the real needs of organizers and participants. We had lived the daily challenges of running tours —managing itineraries from picnic tables and sending customer updates with spotty reception. We wanted a full stack platform that *just works*.
→ Create Adventures, Not Spreadsheets
Because all trip logistics are managed from one simple Operator Console on Wayward, you’ll spend less time on admin stuff, and more time creating amazing experiences.
→ Cashflow Matters In Adventure Travel. Keep More Of It.
Wayward is proud to offer industry leading low-cost Payment Processing compared to competitors like Fareharbor, Peek, TripWorks, and Easol.
→ Make Your Journeys Visible From the Highest Mountain Tops
Our easy-to-use promotion tools help you reach a wider audience of high-intent travelers. You can also embed content on your site, on-brand and white-labelled.
What travel companies are using Wayward?
Wayward is used by Trip Operators, Tourism Organizations, and Adventure Rallies around the world including — Large Minority, Endeavour Adventures, The Adventurists, Port Washington, Visit Kankakee, Sugar River Valley, Unforgettable Forgottonia, Lost Travel Collective, Lemons Rally, and Chop Top Challenge, just to name a few!
👉 Learn more about us (including customer testimonials) at www.wayward.travel or try our mobile app for travelers by searching "Wayward App" on the app store.
Special offer for Travel Massive members — get 15% off any subscription and we can help you convert over your existing itineraries, experiences and payment links. Switching platforms is tough but our team can help get you up and running in a matter days. DM us!
Hi Jake, can we do the demo?
Yes! Please reach out on our website and we'll arrange a call. Or you can get started yourself at console.wayward.travel
I've asked for the slot. See you.
Hi Jake,
is it also possible to book accommodation through your app?
Hi! Yes, you can have link out to specific booking pages or build this into experience via ours (or your) API. The platform is pretty flexible. Happy to talk more about your use case!
The [Travel Massive Portland](www.travelmassive.com/posts/portland-travel-massive-242096280) chapter showed up in full force for our May Meet Up at [Northwest Portland Hostel & Cafe](www.nwportlandhostel.com). Shoutout to [Chelsea Wilcox](www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ewilcox/) and [Kylie Curtis](/@kylie-curtis) for carefully crafting such a wonderful evening.
The event brought together travel industry professionals for networking, live music, and tours highlighting the hostel’s history. Additionally, 10% of food and drink proceeds were donated to [Carpe Mundi](www.carpemundi.org) programs, which support low-income college students through travel abroad scholarships and mentorship.
Northwest Portland Hostel’s owners, Jim Kennett and Britta Diettrich, also shared insights about their work since 1998. The hostel serves over 25,000 guests annually from more than 50 countries across six buildings, making it a key location in the local travel community.
What a wonderful gathering! It was great to see familiar faces and welcome some new members. We’ll be taking a little time this summer to enjoy the sunshine, but stay tuned for details on our next event coming in early fall.
If you’re interested in volunteering or helping us host future events, be sure to reach out —we’d love to have you involved!
We loved hosting this fun event!
What if you could touch a sunset? Our mission is to make travel photography and visual art accessible to those who cannot see it, by creating a 3D printed version of the image.
Tactile Photos allow viewers who are blind or visually impaired a way to experience and enjoy the beauty of photography and visual art on a deeper level – through touch. Each tactile print comes with a scannable tactile QR code that provides a detailed audio description of the image, guiding the viewer through its features and textures.
Hi everyone, I run blindtravels.com, a travel resource for those who are in the blind and low vision community.
I wanted to tell you about the really cool project we have been working on.
In May of last year we began a partnership with The Andy Warhol Foundation for Visual art to make landscape photography, specifically travel photography accessible for those who cannot see. They funded the development of our process which extracts the light and texture from an image and turns it into a 3d printable file, allowing blind people to experience photos for the first time. This led to another grant (from another organization) for travel, which resulted in a year's worth of travel across the US to capture images for our tactile art project.
We launched the work at the biggest gathering of Blind and low vision people in the US at the National Federation of the Blind convention in Florida. It has been a crazy year of innovation and travel for us!
We've been working for years to make travel accessible for those who can't see, now we have developed a way to make those travel memories accessible, I still can't get my head around the synergy with travel and accessible photography.
These prints also work well for those who are colorblind allowing them to experience color through touch. We have found that even fully sighted people gain a stronger connection to a piece of art when they can touch it.
If you are interested check out our work at www.tactilephotos.com
Now to get caught up on all those posts on TM!
Ted
That's a very admirable idea! Curious who bears the brunt of the cost, is it the user or the photographer wanting to share their work? I looked at your website but wasn't sure how it works? :)
Hi Sarah,
Thanks so much for your interest in tactile photography, it's always great to connect with folks who are curious about making visual art more accessible.
My wife, Carrie, is actually in the thick of rolling out a full business plan for our tactile art service as we speak. She’s the real mastermind behind the logistics while I keep up with my www.blindtravels.com website Right now, she is working on installations for the VA, several galleries, museums, and a few other exciting public venues. It's a lot of moving pieces, but incredibly rewarding.
As for your question about cost—great one. While creating the 3D files is mostly automated these days (thank goodness for tech!), the actual production process—printing the tactile pieces still takes a good bit of time and effort. So there’s definitely a cost involved, both in materials and in the hands-on time to get each piece just right.
She is in the early stages of marketing this to a larger audience, but I'll absolutely keep you posted as she starts offering the service to a broader clientele. The dream is to make tactile art accessible not just in galleries, but in homes, schools, and anywhere people want to experience photography in a new way.
Thanks again for the thoughtful question, and stay tuned, we’re just getting started!
Ted (and Fauna the guide dog, always close by!)
Thanks very much for the reply, Ted! Ah that makes sense, she's starting by marketing to larger audiences. That's really cool, anyway. And yes, I can imagine the 3-D printing is the most expensive part of it. Love the idea of bringing it eventually into homes, schools etc.
Looking forward to seeing your updates :)
Absolutely fantastic
Long overdue. Thanks.
Fascinating concept!
HERE'S THE NEXT 5 UPCOMING EVENTS:
Connect, explore, and grow at the largest digital nomad festival.
Bansko Nomad Fest brings together digital nomads, entrepreneurs and industry leaders in a way that maximises connection, collaboration and interaction.
A week-long celebration of the remote lifestyle featuring curated conference sessions, networking, community led skill shares and many fun and interactive activities. The mountain environment provides the perfect atmosphere to build relationships, whether personal or professional.
We have an action packed schedule featuring Speakers, Workshops, Activities and Entertainment.
Speaker Program
Our program features over 50+ engaging speakers on 2 stages. These are curated to be topical, informative and inspirational.
Un-conferences
We have 100 participant led unconference sessions covering a wide range of topics - if there's something you want to discuss this is your chance to put it on the agenda and find other nomads to collaborate with.
Activities
Our program includes a wide range of activities. Many of these are included in the ticket price, such as hiking, games, fitness, yoga, while others such as our now famous hot-Springs pool parties are optional add-ons.
Parties
There's much to be said for the serious part of a conference, but sometimes the best connections are made at the end of a long day. Bansko has become famous for some epic parties - the hot-springs pool parties and bonfires stand out. This year will be no exception!
Networking
The event is perfect for networking - we have a variety of lunch, dinner and drinks events programmed in, or participants have the freedom to engage in spontaneous meet-ups.
The Park Stage
The park stage will be bigger & better this year. It will still feature an entertainment program but this year will have more workshops, activities and some new "corners" focused on interaction - a games corner, a creative corner and a networking corner.
Nomad Leaders Forum
A premier two-day event designed exclusively for innovators, and decision-makers in the digital nomad space. Held right after Bansko Nomad Fest from 2-4 July, this forum offers a focused, intimate environment to collaborate and drive innovation within the nomad community.
👉 Use code MASSIVE for a €25 discount on your ticket!
Learn more at www.banskonomadfest.com
Link to event pageJoin our mid-year meet up for Travel Massive Sydney Community.
Meet fellow travel professionals and enthusiasts to network for a drink in the very cosy Rabbit Bar at the Arthouse Hotel, Sydney. This is a casual meet up - come along to network with regular and new Sydney chapter members.
📍Location: Inside The Galeries, 275 Pitt Street, Sydney
Rabbit Bar is inspired by the Alice in Wonderland adventure, and is a little bit of a warren to find. Look for the signs opposite the food shops on the ground floor of The Galeries.
⏰ Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
👔 Dress Code: after work casual
👉 The event is free but the space is limited. Please make sure you register if you’re planning to attend.
Looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday June 24th!
Link to event pagePlease join us for a partner event with Nappr during Toronto Tech Week 2025.
Calling all travel tech nerds, jet-lagged founders, overcaffeinated marketers and anyone who's ever said, "I just need 20 minutes and a hotel bed."
Nappr is pulling up to Toronto Tech Week to host The Future of Travel & Hospitality - one of the few events that's not about AI, crypto, or reinventing the wheel with blockchain...but about actual rest. Revolutionary, we know.
Join us for a night of:
• Networking, chill vibes, good people, and a few industry secrets we probably shouldn't say out loud
• Sweet, sweet sleep mask + earplug swag
• Free stay giveaways
Whether you're in hotels, airlines, OTAs or just here for the drinks, swing on through and let’s talk ZzZs, hospitality, and how to make travel less soul-crushing.
About the Host:
Nappr is a marketplace that offers 2 to 12-hour hotel stays to help people catch up on rest and meet the demands of their unique schedules. Our network of 1,100+ global properties enables anyone on-the-go to book rooms same-day at chains like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Sheraton and also many boutiques for up to 50% off the overnight rate - and with all of the amenities included. This also gives hotels the ability to fill their unused capacity and generate extra revenue with convenient, hourly scheduling.
Event details:
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM EDT
Location: Nickel 9 Distillery | g.co/kgs/GhKZ8aT
90 Cawthra Ave #100, Toronto, ON M6N 3C2, Canada
Stay tuned for some discount rideshare codes on HOVR!
💬 Join the conversation on Instagram:
@travelmassiveTO #TravelMassiveToronto for Travel Massive
@napprapp
🎟️ Please note, there is a maximum capacity, so make sure to register. If there is a waitlist still sign up in case someone is no longer able to come we will add people from the waitlist.
In the meantime, have a look at your Travel Massive profile and take a moment to make sure it is up to date.
👉 Please note:
* All guests must be registered to attend.
* No +1s please.
* Must be an active member of the travel industry to attend with an approved and updated profile on TravelMassive.com, please make sure to describe what your role is in the travel industry and add associated social media and website links.
👉 Cancellations: If you are no longer able to attend, please try to release your ticket 72 hrs (3 days) before the event so others can attend. Thank you for understanding.
🚨As these events are limited capacity we have a 3-strike no show policy.
📸 This event will be photographed by a member of a Travel Massive team or/and our event partner. If you do not wish to be photographed please let us know upon arrival.
Link to event pageMTF 2025 is the flagship annual event of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) tourism cooperation, bringing together government leaders, industry professionals, development partners, and innovators across Southeast Asia to collaborate, learn, and inspire. This year’s Forum takes place in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang, offering a unique setting where culture, sustainability, and collaboration converge.
Under the theme “United Journey – Stronger Together,” MTF 2025 will explore new pathways for inclusive and resilient tourism in the GMS. The program includes high-level dialogues, immersive breakout sessions across the city, and a sustainable tourism exhibition showcasing the best of regional tourism products and solutions.
🎯 Connect with leading voices in tourism from across the GMS and beyond
💡 Gain insights on sustainable tourism, digital innovation, and regional cooperation
🤝 Network with public and private sector stakeholders shaping the future of travel
🌍 Experience Luang Prabang through curated sessions, cultural activities, and site visits
🛍 Explore a regional tourism exhibition highlighting GMS destinations and initiatives
The Forum is free to attend, with complimentary access provided by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Lao PDR, the Luang Prabang Provincial Government, and the Lao Destination Management Network (DMN).
Mekong Tourism Forum 2025
📍 Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
🗓 25–27 June 2025
👉 Learn more and view the program at: mekongtourism.org/mekong-tourism-forum-2025/
Link to event pageDiscover the Future of Travel Innovation — An Evening with Stripe the Entrepreneurs Collective & Travel Massive
Travel Massive London, Stripe and the Entrepreneurs Collective, invite travel industry leaders to an exclusive travel industry innovation night. Coinciding with the Travel Tech Show, join us at private gathering of industry pioneers, leading travel brands, investors, and disruptive startups reshaping the future of travel and hospitality.
📍 Location: Stripe, 5th Floor, 201 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3UN
🗓️ Date: Thursday, 26th June 2025
🕕 Time: 17:30 - 18:00 registration. Main event 18:00 - 21:00.
✅ Advance RSVP Required
Why Attend?
This curated evening is designed for executives seeking a strategic edge. Gain exposure to emerging travel technologies, meet the founders of a collection of exciting travel startups and engage directly with investors and innovators driving sector-wide transformation.
The program features:
Live startup pitches from companies solving real-world challenges in travel operations, experience design, payments, and personalisation.
High-impact insights from leading entrepreneurs and investors on what it takes to scale innovation in the enterprise space.
Networking, drinks and bites with peers and disruptors, including C-suite leaders, VCs, and startup founders at the forefront of next-generation travel solutions.
Featured Speakers:
• Last year's pitch-night winner: Sally Bunnell, Founder & CEO, NaviSavi
• James Lemon, Global Lead - Travel, Transport, Leisure and Automotive, Stripe
• Matthew Gardiner, Senior Vice President FINN Partners and Director of Travel Massive London.
Pitching Startups:
• Hey Food is Ready - Yuru Guo
• Vanity Pass - Perez Tigidam
• InterLnkd - Barry Klipp
• TripMapper - Emma Collins
• Vessa - Peter Farrell
• Eventwise - David Zarmalwal
With space for one more :-)
Explore potential partnership with a hand-picked group of startups to be announced shortly.
Judges & Advisors:
• Kiu Kim, Investment Director, Beringea
• Lucile Cornet, Partner, Eight Roads
• Bobby Demri, Founder & Managing Partner, Roch Ventures
As the travel sector continues to evolve rapidly, this event offers a strategic lens into the technologies and models that could define your next competitive advantage. Who are the disruptors your business needs to watch? Where is innovation driving new growth and efficiency? How should enterprise travel companies position themselves for what's next?
Join us to find out.
Questions about this event? Please email your event host: Matthew Gardiner: matthew@travelmassive.com
Please note: when you register for this event (which must be done in advance) we will also be sharing your details with Stripe and the Entrepreneurs Collective to allow us to process your registration and facilitate your access to the pitch-night. There will also be photography at the event.
Link to event pageParis Travel Massive has been down but not out and so we thought we'd see who we are. This is a classic meetup hosted by Ruby (rubytv.net) and Gil (moontowntravel.com). We are a content creator and an experience provider (among other things).
Come as you are, come from all travel backgrounds, and in all languages to exchange ideas, make new partners, and help each other solve problems. This is meant to be substantive, so - above all - come with something you want to accomplish.
Event details
🍷 L'Athéna Bar (16 rue Saint-Marc, 75002)
📍 Map link: maps.app.goo.gl/Jo5nkGhsN1uFBvRw9
⏱️ When: 20:00 - 22:00
👉 Please RSVP so we can welcome you at the event
Standing room mostly - some seats outside - dive bar vibes
DM or email gil@moontowntravel.com questions, if you have them.
À bientôt!
Link to event pageHere's the 10 latest classified ads:
This is the end of the page. Thanks for being a part of our community!